No, the various paraphrases of the reports on FR have claimed they were exactly 10 years old. Here's the original report:
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Danish and Icelandic troops have uncovered a cache of 36 shells buried in the Iraqi desert, and preliminary tests showed they contained a liquid blister agent, the Danish military said Saturday.
The 120mm mortar shells were thought to be leftovers from the eight-year war between Iraq and neighboring Iran, which ended in 1988, said U.S. Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt.
The shells were found by Danish engineering troops and Icelandic de-miners near Al Quarnah, north of the city of Basra where Denmark's 410 troops are based, the Danish Army Operational Command said in a written statement.
The shells were wrapped in plastic but had been damaged, and they appeared to have been buried for at least 10 years, the statement said.
How does one determine length of shell burial? What are the criteria used to distinguish between1,3,7 or 10 years?
To have some reporter say "they appeared to be" buried for 10 years is a pretty weak statement. especially given the bias of the press.